Greece and Israel are set to enhance their defense cooperation, with a focus on anti-drone systems and cybersecurity, according to Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias.
Following a meeting in Athens with his Israeli counterpart, Israel Katz, Dendias announced the agreement to collaborate in these critical areas. Katz is in Greece for a four-day security-focused visit that began on Monday.
Issuing a thinly veiled warning to Turkey, Katz said Israel and Greece were determined “not to allow actors seeking to undermine regional stability to establish a foothold through terrorism, aggression, or military proxies — in Syria, in Gaza, in the Aegean Sea, or in any other arena — and to realize their dangerous ambitions.”
“Those who dream of dragging the region backward, establishing control through terror, or rebuilding empires at the expense of sovereign states will encounter a resolute alliance of free, strong nations capable of defending themselves,” Katz continued, alongside his Greek counterpart.
Speaking of Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, the last slain hostage held in Gaza, Katz stressed that “Hamas bears the responsibility to locate him and return him to Israel for burial without any delay.”
Greece will cooperate with Israel on anti-drone systems and cybersecurity, Dendias said after meeting his Israeli counterpart.
In late December, Israel, Greece and Cyprus signed a trilateral work plan for military cooperation among the IDF, Greece’s Hellenic Armed Forces, and the Cypriot National Guard in 2026, in a move that further deepens security coordination among Turkey’s regional rivals in the eastern Mediterranean.
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias stated after meeting Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz: “We agreed to exchange views and expertise so that we can counter unmanned platforms — specifically swarms of unmanned aerial vehicles and groups of unmanned underwater vehicles. We will also work together to be ready to intercept cyber threats.”
This cooperation expands on Greece's Achilles’ Shield program (a multi-layered air, missile, and anti-drone defense network) and recent procurements:
- In December 2025, Greece's parliament approved the purchase of 36 PULS rocket artillery systems from Elbit Systems (Israel) for approximately €650–700 million (~$750–800 million).
- Ongoing negotiations (nearing completion in late 2025/early 2026) involve a larger €3 billion (~$3.5 billion) package for integrated air defense systems from Rafael and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), including SPYDER (short/medium-range SAM), Barak MX (modular multi-mission), and David’s Sling (anti-ballistic/missile interceptors), plus radars and potential UAV/drone elements.
- Greece has already acquired Israeli systems like advanced drones, and discussions include air-to-air missiles for fighter jets (e.g., compatible with Greece's Rafale and future F-35 fleets) and counter-UAV tech.
The partnership aligns with a December 2025 trilateral defense plan between Greece, Israel, and Cyprus for 2026, emphasizing joint exercises, technology transfers, and shared responses to regional threats in the Eastern Mediterranean.
This strengthens Greece's deterrence amid Eastern Med tensions and positions Israel as a key supplier for NATO-aligned modernization.
Greece and Cyprus have already purchased missile systems from Israel worth billions of euros. Athens is also in talks to buy from Israel medium- and long-range anti-aircraft and anti-ballistic missile systems for a planned multi-layer air and drone defense system known as the “Achilles Shield,” estimated to cost about 3 billion euros ($3.5 billion).
Last month, the Greek parliament approved the purchase of 36 PULS rocket artillery systems from Israel to bolster defenses along Greece’s northeastern border with Turkey and on Greek islands in the Aegean Sea.
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